Name of your website?GypsyRoses.Org: cosplay accessories, costume ears, costume horns, costume masks and custom jewelry and more!
Your name?
Gypsy~Rose, (aka Shannon)
Your Location (city, etc)
Farmington
Please give us a short summary of your website?
My website is a glimpse into many of the mediums and art forms that I create and sell, as well as some of the services that I provide, (like tarot readings, talismans and logo design etc.). I do a little bit of everything but my online niche has become my costume design and accessories.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
I was pregnant with my first child when I branched out into my own, f/t, online business. My mother was a work at home Mom and I appreciated her being at home with us, instead of having someone else watch us during the day. I wanted to be able to give the same gift to my children. Luckily I found a specialized area and my website and business took off like a rocket, which was wonderful!
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
I launched my first website in 1997, when I first got the internet. I had one about my jewelry, which is what my degree is in, (I have a NFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry), and a little bit of a bio. about me, also.
How did you decide on a name for your website?
At first it was a name I have come up with in middle school, back when I thought I was going to be a fashion designer. I have a rather long Irish name and "long Irish name" and "fashion" just don't go hand in hand. So I cam up with "Che' Designs". Che' is pronounced "Shay". I thought it sounded French, which usually goes much better with "fashion". After I got married my name was even longer and less catchy so, when I launched my first website and business that is the name I used. I switched a few years later, to a name that goes even further back into my childhood. My nickname, Gypsy Rose Lee, was slightly shortened and my business became "Gypsy~Rose's". Most of my customers don't get the name reference. I was nicknamed Gypsy~Rose because I used to love to dance around and sing when I was a kid, (and no, *not* to strip!). I chose it because it went well with me and with what I associate with Gypsies, a knack for being crafty and ingenious. People that do a little bit of everything, from sewing to palmistry, singing to art! Being a gemini that speaks of me, as well!
What makes your website different from other, similar offerings?
My work isn't mass produced, like most other site which import their goods or bang out 1,000 pieces a day. My work is more art and more movie-like. Each of my pieces are signed and made by me, no one else touches them, (except my husband, when I am in a pinch he mails packages sometimes and answers e-mails or phone calls).
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
I have attained almost everything I hope to accomplish for my main life goals, which feels wonderful! Now that my children are getting older, though, my husband and I hope to start doing more events, and further events, so that we can meet my customers in person... which is very nice!
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
Time is hard to come by when one works at home but I think my time and investment might not, monetarily, be where I need it to be but the sacrifice is worth it if it means raising my children myself.
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
I would probably hire a secretary so that I could focus on the design process and not spend as much time e-mailing and talking on the phone. I like meeting my customers, in person, but doing 100% of the phone calls and e-mailing etc. takes a lot of time away from my bench time.
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
I have this happen every Halloween and yes, I have learned some tricks to keep up with the demand. Sometimes it's hard but that's why I have started to enlist my husband's help!
What has been your biggest challenge?
Balancing work and family, the plight of most parents I'd say. I am glad I have both to balance but it can be tricky.
What is your website address?
GypsyRoses.Org: cosplay accessories, costume ears, costume horns, costume masks and custom jewelry and more!
